AceShowbiz - Lioness, the espionage thriller created by Taylor Sheridan, has seen a notable resurgence on the Paramount+ streaming platform following the recent debut of Sheridan’s new series, The Madison. Although The Madison premiered to solid viewership despite receiving somewhat mixed reviews, it has sparked renewed interest in Sheridan’s earlier work, particularly this overlooked two-season spy drama.

The show originally launched with an eight-episode first season in 2023, followed by an equally sized second season in 2024. It features one of the most star-studded casts assembled by Taylor Sheridan, headlined by Zoe Saldaña, alongside acclaimed actors Nicole Kidman and Morgan Freeman. The series also includes key performances from Michael Kelly and recurring members of Sheridan’s creative troupe such as Dawn Olivieri, LaMonica Garrett, and Jennifer Ehle.

Both seasons of Lioness have received a mixed-to-positive reception from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the show holds an overall approval rating of 72%. The first season, however, scored a modest 54%, while the second season saw a significant improvement, earning a 90% rating. This contrast in critical response highlights the show’s developmental arc and growing audience appreciation over time.

Despite its talented ensemble and intriguing spy thriller premise, Lioness has flown somewhat under the radar compared to Sheridan’s other popular franchises like Yellowstone, Mayor of Kingstown, and Tulsa King. Nevertheless, recent data from FlixPatrol reveals that Lioness ranked among the most-watched shows on the domestic Paramount+ chart last week. It trailed only behind the newly launched The Madison and the CBS series Marshals, which Sheridan also executive-produced.

Collider’s Michael John Petty reviewed the second season of Lioness, comparing it to Prime Video’s The Terminal List. Petty noted that while Lioness doesn’t maintain the same steady escalation of tension that fully captivates viewers in The Terminal List, it nonetheless offers compelling moments and performances that have helped it gain a dedicated following.

Looking ahead, Lioness is poised to return for a third season, with anticipation building partly due to Zoe Saldaña’s recent Oscar win, which has elevated her profile significantly since the show’s initial release. Meanwhile, co-star Nicole Kidman maintains her presence on the streaming charts with her lead role in the crime thriller series Scarpetta, currently dominating Prime Video viewership.

While Taylor Sheridan has recently severed ties with Paramount amid leadership changes and is set to join NBCUniversal in the coming years, his existing shows continue to hold strong on streaming platforms. This includes not only Lioness but also his other prolific projects, which together underscore Sheridan’s significant impact on contemporary television drama.

As Sheridan’s latest ventures gain momentum, the renewed interest in Lioness reflects the enduring appeal of well-crafted spy dramas bolstered by high-profile casts and complex storytelling. Fans and newcomers alike are encouraged to catch up with the first two seasons on Paramount+ as they await the upcoming third installment.

Stay tuned to Collider for further updates on Taylor Sheridan’s evolving slate of projects and the shifting dynamics of streaming viewership charts.